Fes is the most authentic of Morocco’s imperial cities. Its old medina, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world: donkeys still carry goods through its alleys, and craftsmen work as they did centuries ago.
Fes el-Bali, the old medina
Enter through Bab Bou Jeloud, the famous blue gate, and lose yourself in Talaa Kebira, the main street. With a licensed local guide you will see far more than on your own — and you will not get lost.
The Chouara tanneries
The most photographed spot in Fes: leather is dyed in stone vats as it has been for centuries. Watch from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops, ideally in the morning when the vats are full of colour.
Madrasas and Al Quaraouiyine
- Bou Inania madrasa: carved cedar, stucco and zellige tiles from the 14th century.
- Al-Attarine madrasa, next to the spice market.
- Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri and considered one of the oldest universities in the world. Non-Muslims can look in from the doors.
More to see
- Nejjarine square and its fountain, with the Museum of Wooden Arts.
- The golden doors of the Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen) and the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter.
- Sunset from the Merinid tombs, with the whole medina at your feet.
How many days?
Two days is ideal: one with a guide in the medina and one for the viewpoints, the Mellah and shopping. From Fes you can visit Chefchaouen or head south to the Sahara.
Fes is part of our desert tour from Fes to Marrakech and many other routes. Contact us to plan your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide in Fes?
It is not mandatory, but the medina is a maze. A licensed guide for half a day saves time and shows you places you would not find alone.
How many days do I need in Fes?
Two days lets you see the medina calmly, plus the viewpoints and the Mellah.
